Protection from Evil Eye- Shaykh Yahya Ibn Ali Al Hajooree

Ibn Hajar on the permissible and impermissible an-Na'ee [Announcing the Death of the Deceased]- From Fath ul-Baree

And Ibn Hajar said, commenting on the hadeeth of the Prophet's announcement of the death of an-Najjaashee, mentioned in the fourth chapter in the Book of Funerals. 

"...He said: And the benefit of this tarjamah (i.e. wording in the hadeeth) is an indication that an-Na`ee (death announcement) is not completely forbidden, but that which the people of Jaahiliyyah used to do is forbidden. They used to send one who would announce the news of the death of the deceased at the doors of (people's) houses and (in) the markets. And Ibn al-Muraabit said, "His intent is that the Na`ee which is informing the people about the death of their near-relative is permissible, even if it comprises entering hardship and calamities upon his (the deceased's) family. However in this mafsadah (this announcement which brings hardship and calamity) there are ample benefits (masaalih), due to what arises out of knowing that (i.e. the death of the deceased), such as hastening to attend his janaazah, arranging his affair, prayer over him, supplicating for him, seeking forgiveness for him, and fulfilling his will, and whatever rulings arise from that. 

As for the Na`ee of Jaahiliyyah, then Sa`eed bin Mansoor said, "Ibn `Aliyyah informed us from Ibn `Awn who said: I said to Ibraaheem: Did they used to dislike an-Na`ee? He said: Yes. Ibn `Awn said: When a man died a person would ride on a beast and then shout amongst the people, "I announce the death of so and so". And also from to Ibn `Awn that he said, "Ibn Seereen said: I do not know of any harm in a man announcing to his friend or close companion". 

The sum of this is that mere announcment (of the death) is not disliked, but if something is added on top of that (announcement), then no. And some of the Salaf used to be severe in this matter until Hudhayfah, when a person of his would die he would say: "Do not notify anyone, for I fear that it might be na`ee (the prohibited form of announcing death), for I heard the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) with these two ears of mine prohibiting from an-Na`ee". Reported by at-Tirmidhee and Ibn Maajah with a hasan isnaad. 

Ibn al-`Arabee said, "There are three situations taken from all of the ahaadeeth together: The first: Notifying the family, companions and the people of rectitude. This is sunnah. The second: Inviting to a gathering for boasting, this is disliked. The third: Another form of notification, such as Niyaahah (lamenting, wailing) and the likes, this is prohibited..." 

Fath ul-Baaree (3/150-151)

"Guidelines Concerning Usage Of Time, And Protecting It From Being Wasted"‏

Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen was asked,“What are your guidelines concerning usage of time, and protecting it from being wasted?”

He said, “It is necessary for a student of knowledge to protect his time from being wasted. Time-wasting occurs in a number of ways: 
That one leaves learning and revising what one has read. That one sits with his friends and indulges in vain talk which contains no benefit. This is the most harmful of them upon a student of knowledge: That he has no concern except pursuing people’s statements, [for] “maa qeela wa qaala”(What was said and what he said), 
and [for] “maa hasala wa maa yahsul” (What occurred and what is taking place), regarding an issue of no concern to him. No doubt, this is from a weak Islaam, as the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, 

“From a person’s good Islaam is to leave that which doesn’t concern him.” 

Busying oneself with “Qeela wa qaala” (What was said and what he said), and excessive questioning are time-wasters. In reality it is a disease which, when it comes into man - we ask Allaah for well-being - it becomes his greatest concern. He may show enmity to one who does not deserve enmity, or he may ally one who doesn’t deserve alliance due to concerning himself with these issues, which busy himself away from knowledge, with the pretext of “championing the truth”, while this is not the case. Rather, this is pertaining to occupying oneself with an issue which does not concern him. 

If a report comes to you, without you having pursued it or sought it, then all people receive news but they don’t busy themselves with it, nor does it become their greatest concern, because this occupies the student of knowledge. It corrupts his affair, and opens for the ummah the door of hizbiyyah (partisanship) then the ummah will split.” 

-Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih al-`Uthaymeen Monday, February 27, 2006 This fatwaa (Islaamic verdict) is taken from “Kitaabul-’Ilm”of Shaykh ‘Uthaymeen compiled by Shaykh Fahd ibn Naasir ibn Ibraaheem as-Sulaymaan, printed by Daar ath-Tharya lin-Naashir

He has his and I have mine

Shaykh al-Albanee (Rahimahullaahu Ta’aala): I have noticed how people who subscribe to our Da`wah become a bit fond of themselves and self-deceived after a while. After having finished reading some books, you see how they become independent. If one then points it out and says that the Shaykh has a different opinion, he says: ”He has his and I have mine.” (al-Huda wan-Nur 256)

A Real Eye-Opener: Upset with the Qadr of Allaah!?

In the Name of Allaah…

Most people entertain bad thoughts about Allaah regarding their own personal situations and the situations of others.  The only ones who remain safe from this are those who truly know Allaah, His Names, His Attributes, and what His Wisdom and Right to be praised really entails.

So let every sincere, sound-minded individual focus on himself regarding this, and then repent to Allaah and seek His Forgiveness from the negative notions he entertains about his Lord.

Look closely at anyone!  You will find that people become upset with Qadr and blame things on it, saying that, “It should have been this way or that way…”

Some people behave this way only rarely, others more commonly!

Inspect yourself – Are you innocent!?

If you are saved from it, you are safe from something terrible… 

But really, I doubt you are even safe!

-Ibn al-Qayyim

This is a passage from the great writings of al-’Allaamah Ibn Qayyim al-Jowziyyah, as quoted in the book, Kitaab at-Towheed, by Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdil-Wahhaab.

This passage was an explanation of some Qur’aanic verses exposing the notions and ill assumptions of the hypocrites after the defeat suffered at the Battle of Uhud.  It is absolutely amazing how this great scholar tied the filthy beliefs of the hypocrites to our own hearts and actions, and guided us to take a an important personal lesson from the hidden enemies of Islaam and their false notions about the Wisdom of Allaah and His Qadr.

From the attributes of the hypocrites is that they do not submit to the Qadr of Allaah, instead they find fault with it, and claim that things would have been better had they been in charge of the affair!

Review Soorah Aal ‘Imraan (3:154).

Ibn al-Qayyim said, “Inspect yourself – Are you innocent?!”

I remind myself and my brothers and sisters in Islaam to sincerely think about the following statements and ponder over how distant we are from them in reality:

• “That’s just great!  This is why I hate Mondays!”
• “What is wrong with this laptop?  Another virus!!  And of course this would happen NOW, when I have all this important work to finish!!”
• “The car seems to break down every time I’m running late!”
• “My stupid cellphone keeps shutting down…!”
• “Oh great!  One more red light!  As if I’m not late enough!”
• “I stoved my toe on that stupid table!”

These small everyday trials we face and the emotions we react with are all part of our personal test.  Our reactions, beliefs, and statements are all being recorded!

With the above mentioned complaints and reactions, who are we actually displeased with?  We know that the table didn’t do anything to our toe, right?  We know that cars, cellphones, and laptops don’t actually choose to do things to harm us in reality, right?

So then, again – WHO or WHAT are we really displeased with when uttering these kinds of statements?

We desperately need our spouses, friends, and companions to remind us, quite simply, with the following question:

Are you unhappy with the Qadr of Allaah?

Let us replace the bad reactions mentioned with the very best guidance available, the guidance of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam):

وإن أصابك شيء فلا تقل لو أني فعلت كذا لكان كذا وكذا لكن قل قدر الله وما شاء فعل…

“…And if something (bad) befalls you, do not say, ‘Had I only done such-and-such, then such-and-such would have happened, rather say: Qadrullaahi, wa maa shaa’ fa’ala (This is from the Qadr of Allaah, and He does whatever He wills).” [Muslim]  

Let us affirm everything we face as the Qadr of Allaah, submit to Allaah being pleased with the trial He (and no one else) has chosen for us, and be afraid of a bad reaction that would be written against us and handed to us on the Day of Account.

And Allaah knows best.

Written by: Moosaa Richardson

The Meaning of Reliance (Tawakkul) on Allaah

All praise be to Allaah, Lord of the all that exists, and may Allaah send His peace and praises on His Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad, as well as on all of his family members and Companions, and those who follow his guidance, tread his methodology and adhere to his Sunnah until the Day of Recompense.

To Proceed: Relying on Allaah (tawakkul) is one of the greatest forms of worship. Allaah says: “So upon Allaah, put your trust if you are truly believers.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah: 23] So He made relying upon Allaah (tawakkul) a condition for Eemaan (Faith).

Allaah said to His Prophet: “So when you have made a decision, then put your trust in Allaah.” [Surah Aali ‘Imraan: 159]

So He ordered His Prophet to put his trust and reliance on Allaah.

Allaah says: “O Prophet! Allaah is sufficient for you and for the believers who follow you.”[Surah Al-Anfaal: 64]

And He says: “And whoever is dutiful to Allaah, He makes a way out for him (from every difficulty). And He will provide for him from places he never could imagine. And whoever puts his trust in Allaah, He will suffice him. Verily, Allaah will accomplish His purpose. Indeed, Allaah has set a measure for all things.” [Surah At-Talaaq: 2-3]

And He says: “And whoever is dutiful to Allaah, He will make his matter easy for him. That is the Command of Allaah, which He has sent down to you. And whoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will expiate from him his sins and enlarge his reward.” [Surah At-Talaaq: 4-5]

Furthermore, Allaah has linked this reliance (tawakkul) to worship ( ‘ibaadah), as occurs in His statement: “So worship Him and put your trust in Him.” [Surah Hood: 123]

Allaah orders us to put our trust in Him, and He praises those who do it. He also states in many verses of the Qur’aan that He loves those who put their reliance in Him. All of this indicates and shows the importance of putting one’s trust in Allaah.

Relying upon Allaah is from the actions of the heart – so it is an act of worship of the heart. Therefore, putting one’s trust in Allaah is not to be done with one’s limbs and body parts. Rather, it is found in the heart, just like fear (khawf), awe (khashyah), longing (raghbah), dreading (rahbah) and dutifulness (taqwaa) of Allaah – all of these are acts of worship of the heart.

The position of tawakkul (reliance on Allaah) is as some of the scholars have stated: “The position of tawakkul in the Religion is like that of the head on a body.”

So a person that does not have tawakkul does not have Religion, just like a body that has no head. It is well known that if a body is missing its head, it will cease to live. This is the same case with the Religion – if it lacks tawakkul, it lacks correctness – meaning that one will not have a correct religion.

Therefore, relying on Allaah has a great standing amongst the stations of servitude to Allaah. Allaah uses it to distinguish His believing servants from everyone else. So whoever doesn’t put his trust in Allaah at all is a disbeliever. And whoever puts his trust in Allaah and also on others besides Allaah (at the same time) is a polytheist. And as for the one who puts his trust in Allaah alone – he is a monotheistic believer whom Allaah loves and whose actions and statements He is pleased with. This is since he has established his actions and statements upon a correct foundation.

So what is the meaning of this tawakkul (reliance on Allaah), which holds such importance and high position in the Religion?

The Meaning of Reliance (Tawakkul) on Allaah

Tawakkul on Allaah means: Entrusting one’s affairs to Him and relying on Him in all matters. Entrusting one’s affairs to Allaah entails not turning to someone else for support.

So reliance (tawakkul) upon Allaah can be with regard to matters of Creed, such that the servant’s heart does not turn to anyone else besides Allaah. Therefore, he is always putting his reliance in Allaah, entrusting all of his affairs to Him.

The pagans did not fall into polytheism and disbelief except due to the fact that they put their reliance in other than Allaah, entrusted their affairs to other than Him, and believed in their hearts that someone besides Allaah was able to grant their requests, alleviate their worries and repel harms from them. So they relied on statues, idols, trees, stones, graves, shrines and the deceased. They put their trust in created beings to grant them things that only Allaah could do. So they began to ask them for help, offer sacrifices to them, make oaths to them, and direct various forms of worship to them. This is since they have relied on them apart from Allaah, thinking that they have the power to benefit them, harm them or grant their requests. Due to this, when they put their reliance in other than Allaah and directed their beliefs and worship to other than Him, they disbelieved in Him.

The foundation of Shirk is: Entrusting one’s affairs and putting one’s reliance on other than Allaah. This is why Allaah says: “So upon Allaah, put your trust if you are truly believers.” [Surah Al-Maa’idah: 23]

The scholars say: The object of the verb here “upon Allaah” denotes limitedness. Thus the ayah means: “Put your trust in Allaah alone and not anyone else.” So Allaah has restricted tawakkul to Himself alone apart from others. Upon Allaah” means not upon anyone else. The ayah continues:“…put your trust if you are truly believers.” Allaah has made tawakkul (reliance on Allaah) here a sign of one’s Faith in Him and proof of one’s Tawheed.

As for the one who claims to be a believer and an adherent of Tawheed, but yet then goes on to put his trust in other than Allaah, such as stones, trees, statues, graves, the deceased, and so on, then this person’s claim is false. And he is not a believer since he has entrusted his affairs to someone besides Allaah.

Likewise, one can put his trust in Allaah in order to achieve his worldly needs, such as obtaining provision, preventing an enemy, and repelling harms and dangers from himself.

Therefore, relying upon Allaah can be in religious matters as well as worldly matters. So you should rely on Allaah in your Creed and your Tawheed. And put your trust in Allaah for fulfilling your needs even if your needs are of a worldly nature, such as eating, drinking, clothing and accomplishing some set goals. Put your reliance and trust in Allaah for all matters.

Reliance on Allaah is not limited to just matters of Creed and Tawheed. Rather, it even applies to worldly matters and seeking provision. When it comes to fulfilling any goal, do not rely on anyone besides Allaah. This is since all of the affairs are in the Hand of Allaah. The keys of the heavens and the earth are in His Hand, so we must put our trust and reliance in Him.

All of the needs and objectives of the servants lie in the Hand of Allaah. So how can a person put his trust and reliance in other than Allaah for his religious and worldly matters? No doubt this is from ignorance and turning away from Allaah. Therefore, relying on Allaah is one of the greatest stations of servitude.

By: Shaikh Saalih bin Fawzaan Al-Fawzaan Source: Haqeeqat-ut-Tawakkul ‘ala Allah (pg. 7-14).

A man narrates...

A man narrates:

My father once narrated [a story to me] about an old man who had a dream. In this dream, he met Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah in one of the markets of 'Unayzah; It was one of the markets which leads to the assembly (a gathering place) - a well known place in 'Unayzah.

During this meeting, Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah handed a lamp to this old man.

When the old man [later] enquired about the [meaning of his] dream, he was told that he will have a child who would [grow up to] be pious (saalih) and he would have [an elevated] stature in [islaamic] knowledge.

So, a child was born to this old man, and he was set upon naming him Saalih, in the hope that his dream would be true and specific to this child.

So, Saalih was religious and devout, and loved the people, [just] as they loved him [too]. He would recite the Qur.aan and stand the night in prayer, however, he was not a student of knowledge.

Saalih then got married and had a son, whom he named Muhammad; He was Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen.

And in reality - and we consider him as such - he was the lamp which Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah had given the old man [in the dream].

And [as for] this old man, [well, he] was the grandfather of Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen - may Allaah have mercy upon him.

Narrated by: The Shaykh's son, 'Abdullaah ibn Muhammad ibn Saalih al-'Uthaymeen.